Howling Source Identification Using Dual-Stage Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication systems, such as half-duplex systems, face issues with howling due to feedback signals when devices are in close proximity, and existing distance measurement techniques often come with performance tradeoffs related to power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a two-step approach where a communication device determines a coarse distance using low-power radio proximity detection and, if within a certain threshold, uses higher power acoustic proximity detection to identify and suppress howling by determining the finer distance and identifying the howling source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accurate distance measurement techniques are used to detect howling situations, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance measurement process is divided into two segments: a first distance determination using radio signals for coarse measurement, and a second distance determination using acoustic signals for precise measurement. The system only performs the more power-intensive acoustic measurement when the radio measurement indicates potential howling conditions (distance less than first threshold), thus segmenting the measurement tasks to balance accuracy and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary radio-based distance measurement before committing to more power-intensive acoustic measurement. This preliminary action filters out cases where howling is unlikely (devices too far apart), ensuring that precise acoustic measurement is only performed when necessary, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy when needed.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is performed to detect howling sources, then reliability of howling detection is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs periodic distance measurements using radio signals at lower power, and only activates acoustic signal analysis periodically when conditions suggest potential howling. This periodic action maintains detection reliability by checking for howling conditions at appropriate intervals while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous high-power monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively and efficiently detects howling sources, conserving power while accurately identifying and suppressing howling, even before it occurs, by using a combination of radio and acoustic signal analysis.
Implementation Method 1
determine a first distance between the first communication device and a second communication device based on a radio signal received by the radio transceiver
Implementation Method 2
determine a second distance between the first communication device and the second communication device based on an acoustic signal received by the microphone
Data Source
AI summary
Method, device, and system for identifying a howling source and suppressing howling. One system includes a first communication device including a microphone, a first transceiver, and an electronic processor. The system also includes a second communication device including a second transceiver transmitting a radio signal and a speaker transmitting an acoustic signal. The electronic processor determines a first distance between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the radio signal received by the first transceiver. When the first distance is less than a first threshold, the electronic processor determines a second distance between the first communication device and the second communication device based on the acoustic signal received by the microphone. When the second distance is less than a second threshold, the electronic processor instructs at least one selected from the group consisting of the first communication device and the second communication device to suppress howling.